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Inverness Woman Makes a Career of Kid's Stuff

INVERNESS, FL - Virginia Crider is an independent, successful woman who loves her career and takes it seriously. The Inverness woman also happens to have a developmental disability. During October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is putting the spotlight on Floridians like Crider who have careers and fulfilling lives.

For someone who has a cognitive disability, Crider has come a long way in the past 15 years---from living in a group home and working in a craft workshop, to having her own apartment and a career in child care. Crider has been working in her community since 1991, and is now a certified teacher's aide employed by Kid's Stuff Preschool in Inverness.

"Ginnie is extremely dependable," says Kechia Williams, the preschool's owner. "In the two years that she has been working here, she's never missed work, except for the time I asked her to go home because she was sick. She's always ready to do her job, and has a great rapport with the staff."

Crider takes continuing education to maintain her teacher's aide credentials. But Williams points out that Crider has all the qualifications to be a lead teacher.

Crider lives in an apartment complex with other people who have disabilities. She is able to live independently because of the services she receives from APD. She is provided with supported employment and a supported living coach who helps her take care of her apartment, make appointments, and pay bills. Crider needs no help behind the wheel---she has a driver license and her own car, and makes frequent trips to visit relatives in Tampa.

Crider's transformation, from a timid person with few job prospects to a successful woman living independently, is an example of how people with developmental disabilities can grow and prosper with the right kind of help.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit apd.myflorida.com or call toll-free 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).

CAPTION FOR PHOTO --- Virginia Crider loves her job at an Inverness preschool.

REMINDER FOR MEDIA---When reporting on stories about people with disabilities, remember to use language that puts the person first, rather than the disability. For example, use phrases such as "persons with disabilities" (instead of "the disabled") and "person who uses a wheelchair" (rather than "wheelchair bound").